Rivier's Gianna Donato (14), shown earlier this season, had 10 points for Rivier Wednesday night at Westfield State. (Courtesy photo by Kyle Prudhomme/Rivier Athletics)

WESTFIELD, Mass. – The Rivier women’s basketball team dropped a non-conference matchup to Westfield State, 75-54, on Wednesday evening at the Woodward Center.

With the loss, the Raiders dropped to 0-8 on the season, while the Owls improved to 6-1.

HOW IT HAPPENED

Rivier opened the first quarter with early buckets from sophomore classmates Sydney Perry and Gianna Donato, keeping the game within a single possession through much of the frame.

The Raiders continued to push the tempo, as First-year Madi Ricker scores six points, including a strong layup at 3:46 to go up 10-5, Rivier’s largest lead of the game.

The Raiders continued to battle inside, with Donato and junior Haley Phillips contributing key finishes to keep the deficit tight before Westfield St. ended the quarter ahead 17-14.

In the second quarter, the Raiders came out firing as Donato and Phillips scored on back-to-back possessions, bringing the Raiders within one, 18-17.

The Owls responded with a series of three-pointers and a 10-0 run that extended the lead to double digits, taking a 32-24 advantage into halftime.

Westfield St. pulled away in the third quarter, outscoring Rivier 25-13.

The Raiders fought back in the fourth, opening the frame with a three ball from graduate student Juju Nealy.

Despite the offensive push, including 17 fourth-quarter points, the Owls’ depth and rebounding advantage proved to be too much for the Raiders, sealing the contest 75-54.

BOX SCORE BREAKDOWN

Nealy paced Rivier with 14 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 blocks in 38 minutes…Ricker recorded 10 points and 6 rebounds…Donato added 10 points and 7 rebounds while Perry posted a near double-double with 7 points and a team-high 12 rebounds…Junior Erika Fantauzzi dominated the glass, pulling down 14 rebounds…Phillips provided a spark off the bench with 9 points and 5 rebounds…The Raiders collected 58 total rebounds, outrebounding Westfield State’s 42…The Owls capitalized on the Raiders 33 turnovers leading to 29 points.

UP NEXT

The Raiders return home to the Muldoon Center for a non-conference matchup Saturday afternoon. Tip-off is set for 2 p.m against the Bantams of No. 14 Trinity College.